Scientific/Medical Question 1

What has been the most important medical advancement in the last 200 years?​

Average Candidate Response

The discovery of antibiotics

The development of chemotherapy has meant that we can now treat a number of cancers.

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​Excellent Candidate Response

Whilst antibiotics and vaccinations have been vital in improving health, advances in sanitation over the last 150 years have been invaluable in reducing the spread of infectious diseases such as cholera which previously destroyed large populations and were a significant cause of childhood mortality. In addition to reducing mortality, sanitation developments have allowed for more efficient recycling of water and thus reduced wastage.

As a result of the development of anaesthesia, a number of surgeries have been developed which were previously not possible ranging from bowel resection (for colon cancer) to open heart surgeries.